Don’t sweat the small talk

Small talk can feel like it sounds, small and insignificant, but mastering the art of starting a conversation is a crucial career skill. People naturally think of small talk as talking about the weather, and they think it’s an empty way to connect with others.

People who struggle with small talk often dismiss it as trivial and meaningless, but it’s exactly the opposite. Small talk opens the road to a greater connection. Employers look for people who can put others at ease, and that starts with small talk. People hire people they feel comfortable around.

Many people feel uncomfortable meeting new people, and that’s one reason so many avoid attending networking meetings or joining professional organizations.

The art of small talk begins with the intention of making people around you feel comfortable and topics like the weather, good restaurants or how fast time flies are all ways in which you can easily connect with other person.

Small talk plays a huge role in your overall career development, and it’s directly attached to your job search where you need to be able to take the awkwardness out of an interview or a networking meeting. The ability to communicate effectively and build rapport helps you develop the likeability factor that often influences decision-makers.

If the idea of small talk makes you break out in a cold sweat, try practicing it on a daily basis with people you know as well as those you may only ride the elevator with everyday. Start by focusing on the obvious — such as the weather — because it’s a safe topic.

Here’s an example of how small talk works: A couple of weeks ago I overheard a conversation two people had while putting gas in their cars. The conversation started as a compliment about one person’s car and the gas mileage. In turn, the other person acknowledged the comment in a positive way, leading to a good discussion where both seemed to share the same interest in cars.

Knowing when to stop small talk and take a conversation to the next level is important. Don’t over-rely on small talk. You can tell when to stop small talk by gauging the other person’s reactions and cues. Too much small talk sends the message you lack depth, and the conversation will fizzle.

Not every topic is suited for small talk, and it helps to know what you should avoid, especially in situations where your ability to make people feel at ease is crucial. During an interview for example, there are some topics to avoid, such as politics and subjects you feel passionate about. Other people may not share your enthusiasm, and if they don’t, small talk can lead to a liability.

Don’t make the mistake of dismissing small talk. It leads to stronger communication skills.

What are your thoughts on small talk? Do you think it can affect your career?